The Most Beautiful Independent Store in Every State in America

Small businesses are the cornerstone of America, each sharing new knowledge and creativity with locals. Deviating from the monotony of big-box stores, independently owned shops provide a sense of community, bringing togetherness in the care taken to serve their customers with a friendly smile and, oftentimes, a personalized greeting upon arrival. Homegrown character oozes through each storefront, inviting new visitors to explore the world through new eyes. These little shops embody the heart and soul of their locations. To build something special takes time, a keen eye, and, sometimes, a major restoration to make what was old new again. Below, we explore the passions of independent store owners from all over the country, selling everything from rare books to gourmet goods. Not only are these shops beautiful inside and out, but they also realize the American dream. In a nation with hundreds, if not thousands, of worthy contenders, the task of choosing just one from each state was by no means easy. And given the allegiance that often attends these small businesses, there is certain to be some healthy—and welcome!—debate. Herewith, our list of the most beautiful independent store in every state.

Alabama: Shaia’s, Birmingham

Every detail, down to the thoughtful meaning of the iron-vine-wrapped door, feels special in Shaia’s. It is immediately apparent that menswear isn’t just a daily routine—it’s a passion. The windowed archway and clean design of the façade pops from the street, drawing in savvy customers. shaias.com

Alaska: The Park, Anchorage

The opulent crystal chandelier greeting customers upon arrival is almost a beautiful as the carefully curated fashions dotting the boutique. The Park creates an inviting luxury environment with personal stylists at the ready. facebook.com

Arizona: Stephanie’s, Scottsdale

The naturally fashionable vibe of Stephanie’s in Scottsdale embraces customers as soon as they pass through the airy entrance flanked by tall tapered pants and an intentionally stationed bicycle. The luxurious fashions are expertly curated and set into the store as if part of the chic decor. shopstephanies.com

Arkansas: Bathhouse Soapery, Hot Springs

This historical building sits pretty on the Bathhouse Row, an infamous district of Hot Springs. Bathhouse Soapery specializes in small-batch, hand-blended bath and body products, which can be personalized to your specifications. The juxtaposition of dripping crystal chandeliers and painted weathered brick walls give the store a vibe as fresh as the scents coming together in their latest batch of product. bathhousesoap.com

California: The Last Bookstore, L.A.

Located on Gallery Row, The Last Bookstore occupies 22,000 square feet of the historic Spring Arts Tower. Boasting a book tunnel and over 250,000 new and used books, shop owner Josh Spencer is keeping his love of print alive by creating the ultimate destination for bookworms. lastbookstorela.com

Colorado: Eve’s Revolution, Colorado Springs

Shop owner Eve Carlson calls Eve’s Revolution her baby, and it shows. Housed in an adorable clapboard-style home with an artfully scalloped pediment painted an ombré pink, Eve’s Revolution is a sanctuary for unique fashions and accessories. evesrevolution.com

Connecticut: Bungalow, Westport

Wende Cohen’s Westport design shop represents a culmination of her passion for home decor, traveling, and antiquing. Her unique style is housed in a quaint shop with an ever-changing inventory as she uncovers new decor jewels. bungalowdecor.com

Delaware: Salvaged, Lewes

Owners Brynn Byerly and Michelle Long channeled their love of upcycling antique and vintage furniture into a creative business selling one-of-a-kind furniture. The colorful barn-inspired shop stands out as much as their unique goods. salvagedfurnitureparlour.com

Florida: Oxford Exchange, Tampa

Situated in a chic white-brick building with a Mediterranean-style clay roof, Oxford Exchange is a shopping experience created by sibling team Blake Casper and Allison Adams. The bookstore is the most recognizable area of the massive store, sporting a sprawling geometric tile floor, painted bookcases lining the walls, and a carefully curated selection of new releases, bestsellers, classics, and more. The bookstore focuses on the beauty of the physical book, using the striking black and white motif to allow the books to pop off the shelves. oxfordexchange.com

Georgia: The Paris Market, Savannah

Using a Parisian flea market as inspiration, founder Paula Danyluk creates a maze of alluring and unusual items. The old-world feeling evoked by the 1874 Victorian building is the perfect housing for such a unique shop. Wandering through the store’s myriad of vignettes feels like traveling the world, drinking up inspiration safely in the arms of southern hospitality. theparismarket.com

Hawaii: Hound and Quail, Honolulu

Entering Hound and Quail is likened to stumbling upon a treasure trove of peculiar items that blend harmoniously into a cohesive design story. Owners Mark Pei and Travis Flazer drew inspiration from small shops in Tokyo and Amsterdam to create a store reflective of their hunt for rare and wonderful finds from all over Hawaii and around the world. houndandquail.com

Idaho: Crazy Neighbor, Boise

Aside from standing out aesthetically, this boutique has as big a personality as the store’s theatrical founder, Star Moxley. Specializing in stage makeup, wigs, hats, and costume fashions, the boutique’s decor plays off of its thespian roots. crazyneighbor.biz

Illinois: Distinctive Gardens, Inc., Dixon

The revamped 100-year-old barn serves as the introduction to Distinctive Gardens, Inc., a beautifully rustic gardening and gift shop. As it expanded through the years, the store became a destination for inspiration and art, hosting a variety of events, workshops, and concerts for all ages. diggersdelight.com

Indiana: James Dant, Indianapolis

This rare men’s shop was created by owner Tommy James Dant out of his need for products that were scarce in the Midwest. Operating with a focus on low-impact goods and wrapped in a fitting red brick building with an eye-popping orange door, James Dant brings a new sense of style to the area. jamesdant.com

Iowa: Preservation, Des Moines

Acquired vintage goods and carefully selected chic modern clothing pairs seamlessly to create an utterly cool destination for style. Nicole Lorenson’s Preservation is a well curated reflection of her keen eye for how well-loved pieces of the past breathe new life into today’s trends. Even the corner location and the weathered brick building play into the classic vibe of the shop. shoppreservation.com

Kansas: Hand & Land, Leawood

The façade of Kansas jewel Hand & Land is coated a white brick that calls to the white tile interiors. Focusing on sustainable, nontoxic products, this little shop is providing a greener way to life for Kansas. handandland.com

Kentucky: Stoneware & Co., Louisville

For Steve Smith, owner of Stoneware & Co., pottery is not just a labor of love, it’s a heritage steeped in history. The company’s stunning showroom and factory location entices locals and tourists alike to take comb through the artfully designed collections. The modern wood paneled exterior ushers visitors into a “grocery store” inspired layout, showcasing "fresh produce" throughout the shop. stonewareandco.com

Louisiana: Pilot and Powell, New Orleans

Co-owners Kathryn Bullock Joyner and Coeli Hilferty Boron started Pilot and Powell as an answer to the lack of high-fashion boutiques in Louisiana. The light-flooded corner shop is the perfect spot to showcase their chic collections to the fashion hungry. pilotandpowell.com

Maine: Minka, Kennebunkport

Positioned in the heart of Kennebunkport in southern Maine, this beachy home decor shop prides itself on selling sustainable products. The natural coastal decor is the perfect aesthetic to reflect the store’s values. minkahome.com

Maryland: Trohv, Baltimore

Trohv, meaning a collection of artful objects discovered or found, is Maryland’s destination to uncover local artisans. The home decor and gift store is renowned in the area for their exceptional seasonal window displays and unique inventory. trohvshop.com

Massachusetts: Brattle Book Shop, Boston

The element that makes Brattle Book Shop so special isn’t necessarily what is housed within the historic walls of its three-story building, but rather what is stationed predominantly in the alleyway beside it. Beneath a black-and-white mural depicting a selection of the most famous writers in history are rows upon rows of books ripe for perusing. Owner Ken Gloss’s family has run this unique book store since 1949. brattlebookshop.com

Michigan: City Bird, Detroit

The industrial look of City Bird harkens back to Detroit’s bustling factories. Founded by a team of homegrown Detroit siblings, City Bird is known for its focus on locally made products and artwork. citybirddetroit.com

Minnesota: Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis

This children’s indie bookstore created an artful escape from the real world behind a discreet storefront in Minneapolis. A maze of literature follows a canoe embarking on a journey down the colorful river depicted on the ceiling of the shop, sparking curiosity in the mind of every child who enters the space. wildrumpusbooks.com

Mississippi: Square Books, Oxford

Stationed in a two-story building on Oxford’s historic town square, Square Books keeps good company in the home of famous authors such as William Faulkner, Barry Hannah, and Larry Brown. squarebooks.com

Missouri: Bonboni Home & Gift Co., St. Louis

Housed in a 120-year-old former candy shop in the historic Shaw neighborhood, the shop is now home to a stunning collection of home decor. The mint-painted mullions and a welcoming flower display against the weathered brick makes this is the perfect setting to discover the array of old and new items that have been carefully sourced by the shop’s owner, Lauren Thorp. bonbonistl.com

Montana: Fact & Fiction, Missoula

The historic Bluebird Building was the perfect place for bookstore Fact & Fiction to settle, as it looks a bit like an opulent hardcover novel of the past with its bright colors and stand-out design. factandfictionbooks.com

Nevada: The Writer’s Block, Las Vegas

The raw edge of this quirky bookshop is attracting readers and writers alike from all over the globe. Drew Cohen, owner of one of the few independently owned shops in Las Vegas, takes pride in the store’s “unfinished” look. The decor evokes the feeling of trespassing on a construction site, with fake birds fleeting overhead on raw wooden beams. thewritersblock.org

New Hampshire: Zeb’s General Store, North Conway

The whimsical world of Zeb’s General Store, named for a local folk hero, evokes a walk back in time to the general stores of the past. The warm yellow exterior is iconic among the small North Conway Village shops, delivering local goods as well as some unexpected items visitors are delighted to happen upon. zebs.com

New Jersey: The Roost Outpost, Hoboken

Hoboken has quickly become a haven for those looking to escape the confines of Manhattan. The Roost Outpost rose to the big-city competition by creating a unique hybrid of a coffee shop and retail destination. The matured double doors and chic black exterior celebrate the seasoned feel of the area while introducing a hip vibe to the neighborhood. hoboken.theroostnyc.com

New Mexico: Shiprock Santa Fe, Santa Fe

From its historical location on Santa Fe Plaza to the Native American–inspired name, Shiprock is rooted in the cultural significance of the American Southwest. The gallery draws inspiration from the traditions of the area and highlights Native American artists, embracing a colorful decor that encompasses the store’s mission. shiprocksantafe.com

New York: Creel and Gow, New York City

Located in the former stables of an Upper East Side townhouse, this ivy covered façade is a delicious entry into a one-of-a-kind home decor boutique. Each inspiring corner of Creel and Gow reflects a unique design aesthetic filled with rare pieces. creelandgow.com

North Carolina: Porter & Prince, Asheville

Set just a few blocks from the iconic Biltmore Estate, Porter & Prince resides in a Tudor-style cottage that was originally a working post office in 1895. Today, owner Debra Prince Slosman creates a tranquil shopping haven for home furnishings, with a strong focus on French and Scandinavian influences. porterandprince.com

North Dakota: Prairie Fire Pottery, Beach

This Old West style building dates back to 1908 and is the perfect eye-catching spot to showcase the creative works of Tama Smith. Ranging from handmade tiles to kitchenware, Smith crafts an array of pottery items in this local gem. prairiefirepottery.com

Ohio: Room Service, Cleveland

The first thing to notice about Room Service is the storied window displays. As the shop sells everything from home decor to apparel, there is ample room to play and build a beautiful narrative. Colorful accents dot the shop, bringing the white brick walls to life. rscleveland.com

Oklahoma: Lovera's Handcrafted Foods, Krebs

This family-owned and operated Italian market has been a staple in Krebs since 1946. The freestanding stone building erected in 1910 is the perfect setting to blend the family's traditional Italian recipes with modern, award-winning products they supply in the store. loverasmarket.com

Oregon: Pistils Nursery, Portland

Focusing on sustainable gardening, Pistils Nursery far exceeds the enchanting clapboard building seen on the street into a backyard and solarium, where, if lucky, visitors may come across a chicken or two. pistilsnursery.com

Pennsylvania: Baldwin’s Book Barn, West Chester

The maze that is Baldwin’s Book Barn is located in a barn dating back to 1822 and houses nearly 300,000 books within its five stories. The beautiful stone exterior is as stunning as the intricate rooms within its walls, each leading to a comfortable haven for browsing or settling into a good read. bookbarn.com

Rhode Island: Rib & Rhein, Newport

South Carolina: The Boutique, Charleston

This airy boutique prides itself on keeping with Southern style and hospitality. Owner Lois Daughtridge creates a warm space with a knowledgeable staff waiting to help personalize your home or select the perfect housewarming gift. Cloaked in white paint, this quaint shop blends beautifully with the Old-South backdrop of Charleston. theboutiquecharleston.com

Tennessee: Imogene + Willie, Nashville

With the intent of creating a home for crafting bespoke denim, owners Matt and Carrie Eddmenson took up residence in an old service station to begin their dream. Today, the worn building is filled with fashions, perfect-fitting denim being at the heart of their mission. imogeneandwillie.com

Texas: Wrong, Marfa

Housed in the bones of an old church, Wrong is a sparkling surprise among its desert surroundings. Local art is presented against stark white walls in light-filled rooms, spaciously placed to allow each piece room to breathe and be absorbed. wrongmarfa.com

Utah: Root’d, Park City

It’s not hard to brainstorm new home design choices while browsing though Root’d in Utah, filled as it is with reimagined vignettes, . Nestled in a striking green clapboard building, customers can imagine themselves immersed in this stylish atmosphere on a daily basis. rootdhome.com

Vermont: Woodstock Farmers Market, Woodstock

The Woodstock Farmers Market is famous among locals for its fresh regional produce and delicious ready-made foods. Housed in a classic barn-inspired building, the interior is crisp with light wood paneling the ceiling for a homespun feel. woodstockfarmersmarket.com

Virginia: Taste Unlimited, Virginia Beach

From humble beginnings, the locally focused gourmet shop grew a quick reputation for its homemade house sauce and other local products, along with its crave-worthy sandwiches. The barn-inspired shop at Bayville Farms is a modernized haven for specialty foods. The local farm stand and sprawling yard seating make Taste a destination in the Virginia Beach area. taste.online

Washington: Standard Goods, Seattle

Located in the lively neighborhood of Capitol Hill, Standard Goods focuses on affordable fashionable goods made in America with an emphasis on local artisans. The organic interiors are the perfect reflection of the trendy neighborhood and a favorite among locals. thestandardgoods.com

Washington, D.C.: Pillar & Post

This home decor shop nestled in the Book Hill neighborhood of Georgetown focuses on British antiques and home decor brands, bringing a fresh spin to the solo antique shop. Pillar & Post melds old and new beautifully, reflecting the character of Georgetown within its blue brick walls. pillarandpost.com

Wisconsin: Red's Mercantile, Eau Claire

The façade of Red’s Mercantile looks as though it belongs on a quaint street in San Francisco with its striking blue exterior and corner entryway. Leading the indie movement in Eau Claire, Red’s focuses on keenly crafted American-made items. redsmercantile.com

Wyoming: Habits, Jackson Hole

Habits is a rare gem that’s decor embodies the rugged elegance of Jackson Hole. The shop highlights little-known designers who specialize in using natural materials, giving the space a grounded connection with nature. habits-jackson-hole.myshopify.com

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